COLUMBIA - Police are investigating the possible theft of thousands of dollars from the Boone County Fire Protection District. According to a 2005 fire district audit released this week, a former employee may have misappropriated the money. Board members say it could total "a few thousand dollars." In July, the district's former financial director, Andrea Meinhart, resigned. She had been placed on paid leave after auditors said they uncovered "accounting irregularities." The district has said that Meinhart's bookkeeping caused a six-month delay in completing the yearly audit. Meinhart has filed a legal complaint against the fire district. She claims an amorous relationship between Chief Steve Paulsell and Assistant Chief Sharon Curry caused sexual discrimination in the workplace. Five other former workers and volunteers also have filed complaints over the alleged discrimination.